A year had passed since the blood lotus appeared in Li Changshou’s dream as a warning from the Heavenly Dao. Each day, he prepared himself to sound the alarm and call everyone to arms, but…

The Blood Sea remained perfectly quiet, with absolutely nothing happening.

The Underworld would certainly face trouble, especially after Western Teaching gained an advantage. They would likely try to breach through the Underworld again to create an opening.

To be safe, Li Changshou placed a paper avatar in Fengdu City, disguised as a minor Judge, to constantly monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, after Spirit Zhenzhu completed forty-nine trials in the Chamber of Courage, Li Changshou brought him back to the Heavenly Court.

Spirit Zhenzhu’s cultivation hadn’t yet reached the Golden Immortal realm of Eternal Life. Though his physical combat strength increased rapidly, it couldn’t achieve much effect.

It was better to play it safe and let him develop peacefully in the Heavenly Court.

However…

Currently, Spirit Zhenzhu…

Sunlight shone on the front courtyard of the Water God’s mansion. A bare-chested youth with long hair, wearing iron-colored trousers and leg wraps, was surrounded by a group of Heavenly Generals who had removed their battle armor and changed into casual clothes.

Looking at Spirit Zhenzhu now, although his skin was still fair, he had grown incomparably stronger since before entering the Underworld. His muscle definition was nearly perfect, his body containing shocking strength, emanating an intense masculine aura.

Just that when he spoke, he still sounded…

Clear and melodious.

“Please, everyone,” Spirit Zhenzhu made a welcoming gesture, and the group of Heavenly Generals charged at him with low roars.

Shadows intertwined and fists flew chaotically;

Soon after, Heavenly Generals were sent flying and falling, groaning in pain, some with bruised noses, others with swollen faces, and in severe cases, compound fractures.

All were immortals, so these were minor injuries that could be healed with a sweep of immortal power.

Spirit Zhenzhu dusted off his hands, grinning at the injured scattered on the ground, having held back his strength.

Many Celestial Soldiers and Generals watching this scene had various feelings, with some even having pink bubbles seemingly floating above their heads…

At this moment, an ordinary authority god with white hair and eyebrows floated past and said, “Spirit Zhenzhu, come with me for an outing.”

“Yes!”

Spirit Zhenzhu responded firmly, immediately pulling on a short silver armor, and following spiritedly behind Li Changshou.

Looking at things now, the Underworld journey had completely exceeded expected results, and even now still had some…

“Uncle Master, when will the Heavenly Court launch an expedition? I want to go experience it too!”

“Uncle Master, what’s inside the Eighteen Layers of Hell? Your nephew wants to go experience it!”

“Uncle Master, look at these immortal maidens, all with thin arms and legs. If demon soldiers attack the Heavenly Court, how will they defend? Why not arrange for them to experience the Underworld too!”

Li Changshou: …

“Less talking, more observing,” Li Changshou said meaningfully, “Don’t let the Tribal influence run too deep. They cultivate the physical body, but most Heavenly Court immortals follow the path of the Primordial Spirit.”

Spirit Zhenzhu grinned and nodded in agreement, following obediently behind Li Changshou, chest out and head held high, naturally emanating a heroic bearing.

Though there were some minor flaws, he had met Senior Brother Taiyi’s requirements.

Turning left out of the Water God’s mansion, after flying on clouds for just a moment, they could see a palace under renovation;

That was Li Changshou’s new home, the ‘Taibai Palace’ ordered built by the Jade Emperor’s decree using Heavenly Court craftsmen.

Li Changshou didn’t feel much about this, after all, it was just a place to keep his paper avatars. Whether it was magnificent or simple didn’t matter.

The words ‘power and status’ were merely passing clouds to him. Now in the Heavenly Court, he was below ‘one pair’ but above ten thousand immortals. Was he truly happy?

Happy.

Very happy.

And the happiness of Venus Star-Lord was beyond others’ imagination.

Spirit Zhenzhu smiled and asked, “Uncle Master, where are we going?”

“Vast Cold Palace,” Li Changshou calmly said, “To seek a thread of Primordial Yin Qi as a congratulatory gift for a great being.”

Spirit Zhenzhu didn’t quite understand but didn’t ask further, quietly following behind Li Changshou.

His immortal awareness swept past, seeing bronze mirror reflections throughout the Heavenly Court. The brand influence of ‘Water God Interactive Entertainment’ grew stronger daily, this form of entertainment interaction filling the empty dao hearts of many immortals and gods.

These two months, Li Changshou had been investigating what exactly Primordial Yin Qi was and found related ‘dao text’ among the ancient stone tablets collected in the Heavenly Court.

Roughly speaking, when heaven and earth were opened and yin-yang was divided, the Supreme Mysterious Qi was split into Supreme Mysterious Yin-Yang Qi by the heaven-opening divine axe. Most of this Supreme Mysterious Yin-Yang Qi scattered into the Chaos Sea, while a small portion was attracted by Pangu’s eyeballs which transformed into the sun and moon, returning to the yin-yang poles of heaven and earth, namely the star cores of the Greater Yin Star and Greater Yang Star.

Collecting such Primordial Yin Qi was several times more difficult than collecting True Solar Flame.

Kong Xuan possessed the Five-Colored Divine Light, which originated from Primordial Five Elements Qi. Using Mysterious Yin Qi as a guide to establish one’s yin-yang attribution without damaging such divine abilities was appropriate.

To successfully add another core powerhouse to their side, Li Changshou, though reluctant to visit Vast Cold Palace again, had no choice but to make another trip.

Chang’e’s identity was truly too special.

Passing by the Moon Palace, Li Changshou also went in to take a look.

After all, having been appointed as Chang’e’s Chief Instructor, there was no reason not to enter when passing by.

Spirit Zhenzhu’s delicate features, cheerful smile, and sturdy physique immediately attracted sidelong glances from many immortal maidens.

But Spirit Zhenzhu only slightly frowned at this, reminiscing about his days rolling in the mud with the tribesmen in the netherworld.

Li Changshou keenly caught this small detail and began to worry secretly.

Could it be…

Too rigid?

“Nephew?”

Just after leaving the Moon Palace, Li Changshou asked with a smile: “You’ve cultivated until now, not far from the Golden Immortal realm, have you thought about finding a dao partner?”

Spirit Zhenzhu immediately blushed: “Uncle Master, Spirit Zhenzhu hasn’t yet, hasn’t…”

“Haha,” Li Changshou shook his whisk, throwing his head back in laughter, teasing: “Don’t be so shy, we’re both men, we should discuss these topics openly.

Spirit Zhenzhu, you’ve seen many female immortals, do you find any particularly attractive, wanting to look a few more times?”

“This, this…”

Spirit Zhenzhu stammered for a while, then frowned in thought, unable to answer for a moment.

How could playing with female immortals be as satisfying as fighting?

These immortal maidens with their thin arms and legs, wouldn’t they cough blood with just one punch?

Just then, Li Changshou had already brought him on clouds to the side of the osmanthus tree, where Wu Gang, the Heavenly Court’s woodcutter, worked.

In the clang of woodcutting, the dao rhythm contained in Wu Gang’s axe-wielding posture made Spirit Zhenzhu’s eyes shine, his heart filled with endless admiration.

‘Initially not understanding battle techniques, not comprehending the true meaning here, but now seeing it, I finally know Uncle Master was right, this is a true master!

The trajectory of the axe blade, the application of force, power originating from the feet and blooming at the blade, not wasting even the slightest bit.

Good axe, good axe!’

Spirit Zhenzhu watched entranced, completely unaware of how the face of a certain ordinary authority god beside him gradually darkened.

Li Changshou’s heart nearly raised tsunami-sized waves!

This!

Was the tribal battle method’s influence this strong? Could it have taught him wrong?

This was the future Nezha, the Great Sage of Three Platforms and Seas, one of the top five future generals of the Heavenly Court, the little hero sang about in mortal ballads as “It’s him, it’s him, it’s just him”!

No, couldn’t jump to conclusions so quickly.

“Ahem!” Li Changshou said firmly, “Spirit Zhenzhu, wait here while I discuss something with this senior.”

After speaking, he rode his cloud forward alone, secretly observing Spirit Zhenzhu’s reaction, and discovered…

Spirit Zhenzhu still stared bright-eyed at Wu Gang’s mighty figure, his breathing becoming somewhat irregular, his entire immortal blood circulation three points faster than before!

Li Changshou: …

Panic, just panic.

Not because he feared being spat on by certain masters of double entendre, but purely because he seemed to have misguided the future little Nezha…

Though this Primordial World was dangerous, it couldn’t become… become…

That wasn’t right either, it seemed since that incident with Old Man Zhao, this Primordial World had been somewhat different from what he imagined.

Never mind, first confirm whether it is true, then decide what to do.

If Spirit Zhenzhu had truly strayed from the path, then he would try his best to intervene and treat it. If that didn’t work, he could only give his respect and bless from afar.

The tribal customs, what kind of atmosphere was it!

“Mysterious Yin Qi?” Wu Gang leaned on his great axe, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. He took a large gulp of the immortal wine Li Changshou offered and smiled, saying:

“What do you need that stuff for? Her Highness should have plenty, just ask her for it. I collected a lot from the Greater Yin Star core before, though I don’t know what Her Highness uses it for.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou hadn’t expected this matter to be so easy. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks and began discussing recent major events with Wu Gang.

Wu Gang frowned and said, “Incense Fire Divine Nations? Isn’t that strangling human nature? If they tamper with the scriptures, wouldn’t that turn all humans in a great world into walking corpses?”

“It hasn’t reached that stage yet,” Li Changshou said, “According to my investigation, Western Teaching is still in the phase of absorbing the power of mortal thoughts and condensing incense fire merit.

Previously in the conflict with the Western Teaching, the Dao side suffered some minor losses, allowing the Western Teaching’s destiny to stabilize somewhat. Now this junior is worried about how to resolve the danger of the Incense Fire Divine Nations.

Does senior have any good strategies?”

“Most mortals are ignorant, and they’ve already seized the initiative,” Wu Gang pondered for a moment. “This matter must be resolved early, some casualties are unavoidable, and we can’t shrink back in fear.”

Li Changshou humbly sought stability and asked further, “Were there such situations in ancient times?”

Wu Gang said: “In ancient times, the Three Thousand Worlds were mostly barren. To prevent humans from being wiped out during the War of Immortals and Demons, we secretly sent many human tribes to various habitable great worlds…”

Li Changshou smiled inwardly, no wonder the Three Thousand Worlds were now so prosperous – it turned out the ancient human sovereigns had been operating behind the scenes.

But he had to admit, it was indeed a good move.

After discussing with Wu Gang for half a day, they still hadn’t come up with any clever plans to deal with the Incense Fire Divine Nations.

People’s cognition and knowledge differed, as did their understanding of heaven, earth, and living beings. To fundamentally change the situation of the Incense Fire Divine Nations, they would have to start with the Western Teaching that established them.

Li Changshou also mentioned that he was organizing anti-Western immortal forces;

Wu Gang said this was feasible, but didn’t forget to advise:

“If war breaks out across the Three Thousand Worlds, it will certainly be a disaster for all living beings.

In today’s world, the enemies are not demons, humans, or tribes – the enemies are immortals and humans.

You are the Heavenly Court’s Water God, now truly able to influence the Three Realms. I hope you won’t forget your original intention to balance relationships between immortals.

Let immortals not forget their human roots, only then can humanity prosper without decline, not to be replaced by other races.”

Li Changshou pondered these words, then made a formal bow to Wu Gang, solemnly agreeing.

Becoming immortal, don’t forget human roots.

This was probably advice that only human masters who had experienced those ancient times could give.

The clang of woodcutting resumed. Li Changshou rode his cloud to rejoin Spirit Zhenzhu and asked with a smile, “Did you hear my conversation with Senior Wu Gang just now?”

Spirit Zhenzhu blinked and made an embarrassed bow:

“Please don’t blame me, Uncle Master. I was only watching Senior Wu Gang’s movements and didn’t listen carefully…”

Li Changshou: …

He felt as if the word ‘danger’ was written above his head, and Master Taiyi was rushing over with the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover.

Couldn’t panic, still couldn’t be sure.

Li Changshou took a deep breath, making his smile full of elderly loving care, and said gently: “Come, come with me to the Vast Cold Palace.”

Spirit Zhenzhu blinked and followed Li Changshou to the gates of Vast Cold Palace.

Li Changshou took out two bronze mirrors from his robes, but after hesitating, stuffed them back in and had Spirit Zhenzhu go forward to knock.

Spirit Zhenzhu landed on the white jade steps and just as he raised his hand to knock, the great doors of Vast Cold Palace were pulled open from within, and a nimble young woman twirled out, curiously looking outside.

In that instant, their eyes met;

On the left was a handsome and bright young man in silver-white chain mail, eyes containing starry seas, brows, and eyes smiling, just like the young man from a maiden’s dreams, making one want to play a tune of sorrow and wait in bitter longing.

On the right was a pretty young woman with rabbit ear ornaments in her hair, an adorably attractive face, bright eyes full of light, and a pair of long slender legs that seemed quite ‘powerful’. Seeing Spirit Zhenzhu now, she was dumbstruck.

From Li Changshou’s perspective, as their eyes met, it perfectly matched the path of love blooming at first sight;

The Jade Rabbit maiden’s face was already flushed red, her breathing becoming very shallow…

And Spirit Zhenzhu…

Expressionlessly said: “The Heavenly Court’s Water God comes to visit.”

Cold and composed.

The Jade Rabbit maiden suddenly trembled, stood on tiptoe to see Li Changshou’s figure, and leaped straight back with a whoosh, crying out:

“Master, the Water God has come to raid us!”

Spirit Zhenzhu frowned, stepping aside to wait for Li Changshou to come forward, and grumbled somewhat dissatisfiedly:

“Truly without manners, not even knowing to bow to you, Uncle Master, before going in.”

Li Changshou struggled to maintain his smile and asked, “Spirit Zhenzhu, answer Uncle Master honestly, what was your first thought when you saw this young woman?”

Spirit Zhenzhu thought carefully, his face somewhat red;

Li Changshou: Could it be…

Spirit Zhenzhu said: “With such a weak body, I wonder if she would cough blood if I punched her.”

“Cough!”

Li Changshou nearly lost control of his breath, almost destroying this paper avatar.

Giving Spirit Zhenzhu a warm look, Li Changshou lowered his head and stepped into Vast Cold Palace, still somewhat unwilling in his heart.

When meeting Chang’e, Li Changshou also observed Spirit Zhenzhu’s reactions.

Chang’e’s beauty was otherworldly. She had come out in her true form to meet them, carefully made up, and as soon as she appeared, hundreds of flowers bloomed, adding three parts of beauty to Vast Cold Palace.

Even Li Changshou, with his rock-solid dao heart and the Hundred Beauties Aged series artifacts to suppress it, still wavered about three or four thousandths.

Spirit Zhenzhu…

Was very calm, surprisingly calm, whether directly looking at Chang’e or being formally introduced and bowing to her by Li Changshou, he was completely composed.

Quite face-saving for his Uncle Master.

But Li Changshou’s concerns deepened…

So, after exchanging pleasantries with Chang’e, Li Changshou asked her to send Jade Rabbit to show Spirit Zhenzhu around Vast Cold Palace, secretly observing his behavior.

Chang’e was no ordinary immortal maiden. She transmitted her voice asking: “What’s wrong with Water God? Are you worried about your nephew?”

“Indeed,” Li Changshou nodded slowly and said directly, “I’ve come this time with a request, not yet fulfilling my previous promise to you.”

Chang’e smiled gracefully and said: “That matter is very difficult. That you remember it already makes me extremely happy. If you need anything, Water God, just say so.”

Li Changshou said: “I need a thread of Mysterious Yin Qi. I heard from Senior Wu Gang that you have some in stock?”

“Hmm?”

Chang’e blinked, her pretty face inexplicably reddening. She took out a treasure pouch from her sleeve, opened it, stirred around inside with her delicate hand for a while, and pulled out an exquisite box which she handed to Li Changshou.

“It’s- it’s all in here.”

Li Changshou was confused. After carefully sensing it, his forehead was covered in black lines.

Cosmetics?

Women’s cosmetics mixed with Mysterious Yin Qi?

Li Changshou hurriedly asked: “Can this still be used?”

“Of course!”

Chang’e became animated speaking about this:

“Yin-attributed treasures are all very nourishing for women, Mysterious Yin Qi is the same. Look how smooth and elastic my skin is now, it’s because of using this secret formula powder!

Inside there’s also powder made from supreme treasures like Mysterious Heaven Supreme Yin Jade and Nine Yin True Spirit Ice, blended with ninety-thousand-year Warm Yang Spring water, then filtered to remove yang energy, leaving only the essence of yin attributes. The skincare and moisturizing effects are also… lately…

This, this, don’t look at me like that…

It’s just that, this ‘Number One Beauty of the Three Realms’ title, who knows which busybody came up with it, puts a lot of pressure on me.”

Li Changshou: …

Worthy indeed of being Senior Lang’s disciple, giving him a very familiar feeling, extremely like a cosmetics counter salesperson from his previous life.

Just then!

“Ah—”

A sudden scream came from deep within Vast Cold Palace. Li Changshou and Chang’e exchanged a glance, and then with two whooshes, they almost simultaneously disappeared from the lakeside pavilion.

Li Changshou used his expert escape technique, seemingly appearing with Chang’e at the same time in a corner of Vast Cold Palace, but actually a fraction slower than her.

Looking ahead, the Jade Rabbit maiden sat fallen on the ground, her face drained of color.

Spirit Zhenzhu had torn open his upper armor, roaring ‘Great Majestic Heaven Dragon’ as an iron fist flattened the head of a giant snake with a rooster’s comb.

“Ah…”

Chang’e wanted to stop him but was a bit too late.

Li Changshou asked puzzledly: “What’s the purpose of keeping snakes here?”

Chang’e’s pretty face was slightly reddened, somewhat embarrassed, and she blinked at Li Changshou – naturally… it was for beauty treatments.